Method for Recomposing Large Format Media

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a process for shooting an entire scene on a single large format film camera and recomposing the filmed scene into a video stream suitable for transfer to conventional formats.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/101,359, filed Apr. 7, 2005, and titled Method for Recomposing LargeFormat Media, which takes priority to U.S. Patent Ser. No. 60/561,061,filed Apr. 8, 2004, titled Method for Recomposing Large Format Media,and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to cinematographic processes. Inparticular, the present invention is directed to a process for shootingan entire scene on a single large format film camera and recomposing thefilmed scene into a video stream suitable for transfer to conventionalformats.

BACKGROUND

Large format filmmaking is an expensive process, as it involves shootingthe film and processing it. Additionally, there are very few theatresequipped for showing large format films. As a result, large format filmtechnology is underutilized, and the number of large format films madeis limited. Ultimately, most moviegoers have few, if any, chances towatch large format films.

As a result of the limited access and expense to make large formatfilms, filmmakers commonly resort to multiple conventional (non-largeformat cameras) camera set-ups to shoot a single scene for a film. Themultiple camera set-ups are labor and time intensive. Scenes from eachcamera are then transferred into the desired video stream. However, theresultant film or digital video sequence, from using standard 35millimeter (mm) film or digital video is limited. This is due mainly tothis film having limited resolution in recomposing the negatives, whencompared to that of large format film.

The drawbacks of the contemporary art are best shown by the followingexample. If a filmmaker wants to film a scene about birds, it is notpractical to film a single bird flying amongst a flock. Moreover, it isdifficult, if not impossible, to keep the bird (to which filming isdesired) centered or focused as desired within the frame, or even in theframe, by even the most skilled camera operator. Moreover, there is noknown way to keep a close-up shot on a subject that can not bechoreographed, and maintain a high quality image.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a new method for utilizing processed filmshot on large format motion picture cameras. The invention alsoovercomes the drawbacks of the contemporary art by allowing a scene tobe shot on a single large format camera, while allowing the resultantfilm to be recomposed into a video stream transferable to conventionalformats. As a result of this process, while filming a subject, there isno longer a need to maintain a desired frame of just the subject, whenfilming, as the subject need only be somewhere in the filmed frame.Moreover, the present invention allows the filmmaker to create aclose-up shot, from a filmed shot, on a subject that can not bechoreographed, and recompose this shot as a high quality image.

This is illustrated by turning back to the example above. With theprocess of the invention, a single bird of a flock can be centered ineach frame of a video stream with certainty and high resolution. Thissingle bird can be isolated in each of the frames of the processed largeformat film, shot of the flock. Typical processed film for large formatfilm includes negatives, positives, interpositives, internegatives, andthe like. For example, this processed film can be 65 millimeter (mm)negatives, positives, internegatives, interpositives, and 70 mm prints.These frames need only include the desired bird, either alone, withother birds in the flock, or within the entire flock. These frames canthen be recomposed, to form a video stream of the resultant single bird,from all of the frames, regardless of the position of this single birdin the frames, from which the video stream was recomposed. This resultis simply not possible with the contemporary art, at broadcast quality.

The present invention can also be utilized in situations where it is notpossible to capture an event with multiple cameras. By using only asingle camera, the scene can be filmed (shot) efficiently andeconomically.

Additionally, as the result of a wide shot initially being taken from asingle camera, problems of lighting continuity, and crossing the 180°line (commonly known as the director's line) are not encountered duringediting the film. Also, the editor has a potential resource, in whichnumerous shots of individual segments or isolated segments (for example,other images in the same frame) for each frame can be retrieved, whenmaking the video stream.

Another embodiment of the invention allows for a film or portionthereof, to be made from a single shoot or take from a single camera.This allows for an overall scene to be shot, with various portions andresolutions (zooms), taken from this single shot, eliminating the needfor multiple cameras to shot various portions of a scene from differentangles and resolutions, and the equipment and labor costs associatedtherewith. These portions can then be compiled or recomposed, to make asingle film or portions thereof. In particular, this allows editingafter the fact, as new shots are not required, but rather, differentportions of the film shot can be isolated and ultimately placed into theedited film, as the entire film has already been shot.

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for reconfiguringor recomposing large format media. This method includes obtainingprocessed film shot on a large format camera. The processed film, forexample, negatives, positives, internegatives, interpositives or prints,includes at least one frame. At least one target image is selected fromthe at least one frame, and the at least one target image is isolated.The isolated at least one target image is recomposed into a videostream. The video stream can then be transferred into a standard orconventional media format such as television, digital versatile disc(DVD) and Compact Disc, read-only-memory (CD ROM).

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method forreconfiguring or recomposing large format media, that includes obtainingprocessed film shot on a large format camera. The processed film, forexample, negatives, positives, internegatives, interpositives or prints,includes at least one frame. At least one target image is selected fromthe at least one frame, and the at least one target image is extractedor isolated in the at least one frame. At least one image (for example,a digital image) of the extracted at least one target image is obtained(known as the “obtained image”), and at least a portion of the at leastone obtained image of the extracted at least one target image is placedinto a video stream. The video stream can then be transferred into astandard or conventional media format such as television, DVD and CDROM.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method forrecomposing large format media, such as, for example, 65 mm or 70 mmfilm. The method includes obtaining processed film shot on a largeformat camera, the processed film including at least one frame.

The processed film is then placed into a telecine apparatus (telecine),and instructions are provided to the telecine for operating on(processing) the processed film. These instructions are for selecting atleast one target image in the at least one frame, and, extracting the atleast one target image from the at least one frame. The process ofproviding the instructions, typically results from a first or trainingrun of the film (e.g., a negative) in the telecine. This first ortraining run is typically manual, and if the film is running, it isrunning at a speed slower than normal (conventional) film playback speed(approximately 24 frames per second).

The film is typically rewound and again moved through the telecineapparatus, typically in a second or processing run, that is typically anautomatic process. Movement of the film through the telecine typicallyincludes, operating on the film in accordance with the instructionsprovided to the telecine, as developed in the first or training run,obtaining an image (for example, a digital image) of the extracted atleast one target image, and, placing at least a portion of the obtainedimage of the at least one target image into a video stream. The videostream may be, for example, a motion picture, television, taped media,or other formatted video stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Attention is now directed to the drawing figures, where like referencenumerals and characters indicate corresponding or like components. Inthe drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are flow diagrams of processes in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a diagram illustrating the processes of FIGS. 1A and1B;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the equipment used in various embodiments of theinvention; and,

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a diagram of another process of FIGS. 1A and 1B inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A details an exemplary process 100 a that is typically performedin conjunction with the exemplary process 100 b of FIG. 1B. Theprocesses 100 a, 100 b are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, inthe form of flow diagrams.

Initially, turning to FIG. 1A, at block 102, the desired scene is shotwith a large format camera, such as a motion picture camera that uses 65mm or other large format film, for example, a 15/70 Camera System fromIwerks® of Burbank, Calif. or an IMAX® camera from IMAX Corporation ofMississauga, Ontario, Canada. This large format camera uses large formatfilm, such as 65 mm/15-perf film stock, or other 65 mm motion picturestandard film. Other large format film, such as 65 mm/5-perf, 65mm/8-perf and 65 mm/10-perf, and other large format media are alsosuitable for use with the large format cameras and associated systems.

The process moves to block 104, where the large format film isprocessed, for example, as a negative, such as a 15/70 negative. While anegative is utilized for the example here, as it is a first generationimage, the film (large format) can also processed as a positive,internegative, interpositive, or the like and the process of theinvention, as described herein, can also be performed on thesealternately processed films, similar to that of the exemplary negative(described below).

Alternately, a 70 mm print may be desired, for example, to satisfy IMAX®and other similar large format projection systems. In this case,processing of the 65 mm film, at block 104, would additionally involveprinting the negative onto 70 mm film, to create the 70 mm print.

Attention is now also directed to FIGS. 2A and 2B, to illustrateportions of the process of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 2A shows a developedand processed negative 200 of a filmed scene, for example, where thecamera moved in an attempt to follow a subject, or where the camera wasstill and the subjects moved (the sub process of block 102). Thenegative 200 is formed of frames 201 a-201 n. In particular, frame 201 ais a first frame, frame 201 b is a second frame, to illustratesubsequent frames, and frame 201 n is a last frame of the negative 200.Other frames referenced herein are correspondingly sequential with thefirst 201 a, second 201 b, and last 201 n frames. The progression of theprocess 100 a, as performed on the frames 201 a-201 n, is indicated bythe downward pointing single arrows in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The negative 200 is positioned and processed in a film editing andconversion apparatus, for example, a machine commonly known as atelecine 150, coupled with an image processing machine 151, shown, forexample, in FIG. 3. A telecine is a machine that converts movie film,normally shot at a frame rate or speed of 24 frames per second, intoother frame rates for other media such as television, by adding frames,to increase the frame rate. For example, the frame rate for televisionis 29.97 frames per second. Telecine is also a process for convertingmovie film, normally shot at a frame rate or speed of 24 frames persecond, into other frame rates for other media such as television, byadding frames, to increase the frame rate.

In FIG. 3, the telecine 150 typically includes take up reels 152 forsupporting film 154, that is passed through a gate 156 at variousspeeds, for example, 24 frames per second. A scanner 158 sits below thegate 156, for capturing the images of the film 154. The film 154 isviewable on the video monitor 160 of the image processor 151. Thetelecine 150 also includes a keyboard 161 a and monitor 161 b, forviewing the conditions of the telecine 150 entering diagnostic commandsto the telecine 150.

The editing or processing of the film 154 is done by a worker, commonlyknown as a colorist, who utilizes the control panel 162 of the imageprocessor 151. The control panel 162, typically includes joysticks 166,trackballs (not shown), knobs 168, keyboards (not shown), andsoundboards 169, etc. The telecine 150 is computerized and typicallyincludes a master controller (MC) 170, linked to storage media (ST) 172,for data, digital media, signals, etc. The master controller (MC) 170 istypically processor based, is programmable, and is electronically linkedto the scanner 158 and the control panel 162 of the image processor 151.

Exemplary telecine machines suitable for use herein may include theMILLENIUM and MILILLENIUM II film scanning machines, both machines fromCintel International, Ltd., Hertfordshire, UK. The telecine machines,including the MILLENIUM and MILILLENIUM II film scanning machines,typically have been modified, to include a 70 mm gate, suitable forlarge format film, and for example, both 65 mm and 70 mm. The outputfrom the telecine machines, is typically taped media 175, such as HDCAM24PSF.

Also, an exemplary image processing machine suitable for use with theabove described telecine, is a da Vinci 2K image processor, availablefrom da Vinci, 4397 NW 124th Avenue, Coral Springs, Fla. 33065.

Turning back to FIGS. 1A, and 2A and 2B, the process continues as thenegative 200 is placed into the telecine 150. The negative 200 will besubjected to sub processes, blocks 106, 108 and 110, detailed below,that are performed in a first or training run on the telecine 150.During this first or training run, sub processes performed on thenegative 200, are converted into instructions, that are executed duringthe second or processing run, detailed below as the process 100 b. Thefirst or training run, where the sub processes of blocks 106, 108 and110 are performed, these sub processes are typically performed step bystep in a manual fashion, frame by frame, or in groups of frames. Thefirst or training run may also be made with the film or negative runningat slow speeds, typically below the normal frame rate or speed formotion picture film of 24 frames per second.

The first or training run is illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B by thesingle arrows, that point downward. The negative 200 is viewable througha video monitor 160 of the telecine. Initially, the first frame 201 a ofthe film negative is 200 includes the images X, A, B, C, D and E. Forpurposes of explanation for this exemplary process, image X will be thedesired target.

At block 106, a desired portion of the image is isolated (selected) onthe negative 200, as shown in the screen shot 203 a, of the frame 201 a.In this screen shot 203 a, for example, image X has been isolated, asshown in the broken line circle.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108, asshown in the screen shot 205 a, of the frame 201 a, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image, here X, remains focused. The now enlarged X, at a high focusis shown in the broken line box in the screen shot 205 a. The focusingwhile zooming, coupled with using processed high resolution film, here,for example, the negative from film shot on a large format motionpicture camera, maintains the high resolution. The resultantfocus/zoom-in of the negative is typically broadcast quality resolution.

The frame 201 a is then fragmented at block 110. This fragmentation issuch that the image, here, the X, is isolated and moved to the desiredposition, as it will appear in its new frame, for example, frame 212 aof the video stream 210 (and the resultant video stream 210′), as seenin the screen shot 207 a on the video monitor 160.

The process moves to block 112, where it is determined if more frames ofthe negative 200 need to be processed. Here, frames 201 b-201 n need tobe processed. Accordingly, for each frame 201 b-201 n, in sequence, theprocess returns to block 106. Processing for frames 210 b-201 n issimilar to that for frame 201 a, and all sub processes, of blocks 106,108 and 110 for frames 201 b-201 n are identical to those of blocks 106,108 and 110, as performed on frame 201 a. As with frame 201 a, thetarget in frames 201 b-201 n is the X.

As stated above, the sub processes of blocks 106, 108 and 110, asperformed on all frames 201 a-201 n of the negative 200 are typicallyperformed in the first, or “training” run on the telecine. Theinstructions for the sub processes of blocks 106, 108 and 110, developedduring the training run, are sent to the master controller (MC) 170 ofthe telecine 160, and may be stored in the storage media (ST) 172. Themaster controller (MC) 170 will then instruct the scanner to perform thesub processes of blocks 106, 108 and 110 on each frame, when the secondrun of the film 200 is made on the telecine 160, as detailed below.

With all of the frames 201 a-201 n of the negative 200 processed intoinstructions, a second run is now performed on the negative 200, inaccordance with block 113. The film, that includes the negative 200, isrewound in the telecine 150, and the second or processing run, of theprocess 100 b, may begin.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 1B, showing the second or processingrun 100 b, of the exemplary process. The process of the second orprocessing run 100 b begins at the START at block 116. During thisprocessing or second run, the processing instructions developed for allof the frames 201 a-201 n of the negative 200, as well as the other subprocesses for the process 100 b, are performed on the negative 200,typically in real time, as it moves through the telecine, typically atthe speed for motion picture file, for example, 24 frames per second.The progression of the process 100 b, typically the second or processingrun, as performed on the frames 201 a-201 n, is indicated by thedownward pointing single arrows and (plus) the downward pointing double(paired) arrows in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this second or processing run,the negative 200 is converted into a video stream.

Throughout this document, the reference numeral 100 a is usedinterchangeably with the process, including at least the sub processesof blocks 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110, and the first or training run.Similarly, the reference numeral 100 b is used interchangeably with theprocess, including at least the sub processes of blocks 116, 106′, 108′,110′, 120 and 122, and the second or processing run.

While a first process 100 a has been shown, blocks 102 and 104 from thisprocess (as shown in FIG. 1A) may be substituted for block 116 (of theprocessing run 100 b), and the process may include only the processingrun 100 b.

In block 116, the instructions developed in the process 100 a (from thesub processes of blocks 106, 108 and 110) are activated. This second orprocessing run includes sub processes similar to those in the first orprocessing run 100 a, except that these sub processes are performedautomatically by the telecine, in accordance with the operationsprogrammed into the telecine for each sub process on each frame 201a-201 n of the negative 200. Accordingly, the sub processes of blocks106, 108 and 110 in the first or training run 100 a, that are typicallyperformed manually, are indicated as blocks 106′, 108′ and 110′respectively, as these sub processes are similar (as indicated by the“prime” symbol after the numerals), but typically performedautomatically in the second or processing run 100 b. Additionally, thesub processes of blocks 120 and 122 are typically also performedautomatically with the sub processes of blocks 106′, 108′ and 110′.

The negative 200, now running through the telecine, is typicallyprocessed in frames and sequentially. For example, the first frame, 201a, is processed, and its processing will now be detailed, as exemplaryof the other frames 201 b-201 n of the negative 200. In this second orprocessing run, the negative 200 is viewable through a video monitor 160of the telecine.

The process moves to block 106′, where a desired portion of the image isisolated (selected) on the negative 200, as shown in the screen shot 203a (on the video monitor 160 of the telecine 150), of the frame 201 a. Inthis screen shot 203 a, for example, image X has been isolated, as shownin the broken line circle.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108′, asshown in the screen shot 205 a, of the frame 201 a, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image, here X, remains focused. The now enlarged X, at a high focusis shown in the broken line box in the screen shot 205 a. The focusingwhile zooming, coupled with using processed high resolution film, here,for example, the negative from film shot on a large format motionpicture camera, maintains the high resolution. The resultantfocus/zoom-in of the negative is typically broadcast quality resolution.

The frame 201 a is then fragmented at block 110′. This fragmentation issuch that the target image, here, the X, is isolated and moved to thedesired position, as it will appear when it is recomposed in its newframe, for example, frame 212 a of the video stream 210 (and theresultant video stream 210′). The target image (the X) is in accordancewith the image, that is seen in the screen shot 207 a on the videomonitor 160.

Recomposing of the fragment frame occurs at block 120, as a digitalimage, or data corresponding thereto, as per the screen shot 207 a, istaken from the frame 201 a of the negative 200. During recomposition,the isolated and positioned X, is extracted from its respective frame201 a-201 n, for placement into a video stream.

The now recomposed frame, is then placed (added) into a video stream210, at block 122. The recomposed image X, forms a portion of the videostream 210, for example, the frame 212 a. As frame 212 a is the firstframe of the video stream, it will be the first frame of the sequence offrames that form the video stream 210.

The process moves to block 124, where it is determined if the videostream 210 is complete. If the video stream 210 is not complete, theprocess returns to block 106′. In this exemplary operation, the secondframe 201 b, with image X, the target image, amongst images A, B and D,is now recomposed in accordance with blocks 106′, 108′, 110′, 120 and122. This recomposing is similar to that which was performed on thefirst frame 201 a, but instead is performed on the second frame 201 b.The frames 201 b to 201 n are subjected to all of the sub processes, asperformed on the frame 201 a, and the sub processes are seen in thecorresponding screen shots 203 b, 205 b, 207 b, 203 n, 205 n, 207 n, onthe video monitor 160, corresponding to screen shots frames 203 a, 205 aand 207 a, respectively, as seen through the video monitor 160.

The sub processes of blocks 106′, 108′, 110′, 120 and 122 are performedon the second, and subsequent frames. The sub process of block 120 isdifferent for each frame 201 a-201 n, as the recomposed image X (throughframe 212 n) (originally from frames 201 b-201 n, respectively) is addedto the video stream 210 in frames 212 b-212 n, in a sequentiallycumulative manner. Accordingly, the video stream 210 becomes longer, asmore frames, to the end frame 212 n are added, as each frame of thenegative 200 is processed. The resultant video stream 210′, for example,includes frames 212 a-212 n. In all instances where the video stream210, resulting in the resultant video stream 210′ being made, thetelecine is programmed to create the frames 212 a-212 n, suitable forplayback at the normal speeds and frame rates of the desired media, suchas, for example, television, motion picture, taped media, and the like.

With the video stream now complete at block 124, the process moves toblock 126. In the sub process of block 126, the resultant video stream210′, with images X, referenced as 212 a-212 n, is transferred tostandard or conventional formats. In the case of videotape video streamsor digital video streams, these standard or conventional formats, towhich the transfer is made, may be, for example, television, DigitalVersatile Disc (DVD), CD ROM, and other conventional films and media.

During this second or processing run, the film (the negative) 200 is runat its normal speed or frame rate, for example, 24 frames per second (asconventional for motion picture film). The sub processes of blocks 106′,108′, 110′, 120, and 122 are performed for all of the frames 201 a-201n, with the film (negative 200), running at the desired speed or framerate. Additionally, the scanner 158 of the telecine 150 is adjusted(either manually or automatically by programming the master controller(MC) 170), such that the resultant video stream 210′ is fluid andsmooth, and lacks distortions between frames, similar to that of motionpicture film. While adjustment of the scanner 158 is typically madeduring the first or training run, it may also be made, by the scannerbeing programmed, just prior to the second or processing run.

The sub-processes of blocks 106, 108, 110, 106′, 108′, 110′, 120, and122, as stated above, are typically performed in the telecine, ascombined with the image processing machine. Both machines are detailedabove.

Alternately, the subprocesses of blocks 106, 108, 110, 106′, 108′, 110′,120 and 122, can be performed with digital apparatus, such as highresolution film scanning equipment, from, for example, 2K up to 8K. Thisdigital apparatus typically also includes the aforementioned videomonitor. The output is typically digital data, such as a digital videostream in a hard drive, for example, a Tagged Image File Format (TIFF)file.

Attention is now also directed to FIGS. 4A and 4B, as well as FIGS. 1Aand 1B, to illustrate another embodiment of the invention. At block 102,the desired scene has been filmed with a large format camera that isstationary. The film is processed at block 104, into a negative 300, asshown in FIG. 4A.

The negative 300 is formed of frames 301 a-301 d. In particular, frame301 a is a first frame, frames 301 b and 301 c, are second and thirdframes, to illustrate subsequent frames, and frame 301 d is a last frameof the negative 300. The first frame 301 a, as per the process 100 a,100 b of the invention, will now be discussed.

The progression of the process 100 a, corresponding to the first ortraining run, as performed on the frames 301 a-301 d (of the negative300), is indicated by the downward pointing single arrows in FIGS. 4Aand 4B. The progression of the process 100 b, corresponding to thesecond or processing run, as performed on the frames 301 a-301 d (of thenegative 300), is indicated by the downward pointing single arrows and(plus) the downward pointing double (paired) arrows in FIGS. 4A and 4B.The processes, process 100 a of the first or training run, and process100 b, of the second or processing run for the negative 300, are similarto the respective processes 100 a, 100 b, the first or training run, andthe second or processing run, respectively, performed on the negative200 (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and detailed above), with anydifferences indicated below.

Initially, all of the frames 301 a-301 d include the images X, A, B, C,D and E. For purposes of explanation for this exemplary process, theimage moving from X to B will be the desired target. The negative 300 isthen positioned, in a film editing and conversion apparatus, forexample, a telecine machine in accordance with that described above,including the modification with the gate 156 (FIG. 3), as describedabove. The negative 300 is viewable through a video monitor 160associated with the telecine, as detailed above.

The negative is now subjected to a first, or training run, as detailedabove. At block 106, a desired portion of the image is isolated(selected) on the negative 300, as shown in the screen shot 303 a, ofthe frame 301 a. In this screen shot 303 a, for example, image X hasbeen isolated, as shown in the broken line circle.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108, asshown in the screen shot 305 a, of the frame 301 a, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the Telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image, here X, remains focused. The now enlarged X, at a high focusis shown in the broken line box in the screen shot 305 a. The focusingwhile zooming, coupled with using processed high resolution film, here,for example, the negative from film shot on a large format motionpicture camera, maintains the high resolution. The resultantfocus/zoom-in of the negative is typically broadcast quality resolution.

The frame 301 a is then fragmented at block 110. This fragmentation issuch that the image, here, the X (the target), is isolated, and moved tothe desired position, in accordance with the image, as seen in thescreen shot 307 a on the video monitor 160.

The processing operations of the sub processes, of blocks 106, 108 and110, are converted to instructions, that are stored in the telecine. Theprocess now moves to block 112, where it is determined if there are moreframes of the negative 300, to be processed. As frames 301 b-301 d, needto be processed in this training run to be converted into instructions,the process returns to block 106, where the second frame 301 b, is thesubject of the first or training run.

In block 106, frame 301 b of the negative is now being edited, as thebroken line circle, enclosing the target image, is moving to the right,to provide a panning effect in the resultant video stream 310 (shownbelow). The image within the target (the broken line circle) includes aportion of the X, as shown in the screen shot 303 b of the video monitor160 of the telecine.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108, asshown in the screen shot 305 b, of the frame 301 b, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the Telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image of the target, in the broken line box, corresponding to thebroken line circle, remains focused. The now enlarged target image, at ahigh focus, is shown in the broken line box in the screen shot 305 b.

The frame 301 b is then fragmented at block 110. This fragmentation issuch that the image, here, the target, is isolated, and moved to thedesired position, in accordance with the image, as seen in the screenshot 307 b on the video monitor 160.

The processing operations of the sub processes, of blocks 106, 108 and110, are converted to instructions, that are stored in the telecine. Theprocess now moves to block 112, where it is determined if there are moreframes of the negative 300, to be processed. As frames 301 c and 301 d,need to be processed in this training run to be converted intoinstructions, the process returns to block 106, where the third frame301 c, is the subject of the first or training run.

In block 106, frame 301 c of the negative is now being edited, as thebroken line circle, enclosing the target image, continues moving to theright, to provide a panning effect in the resultant video stream 310(shown below). The image within the target (the broken line circle)includes a portion of the X and the B, as shown in the screen shot 303 cof the video monitor 160 of the telecine.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108, asshown in the screen shot 305 c, of the frame 301 c, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image of the target, in the broken line box, corresponding to thebroken line circle, remains focused. The now enlarged target image, at ahigh focus, is shown in the broken line box in the screen shot 305 c.

The frame 301 c is then fragmented at block 110. This fragmentation issuch that the image, here, the target, is isolated, and moved to thedesired position, in accordance with the image, as seen in the screenshot 307 c on the video monitor 160.

The processing operations of the sub processes, of blocks 106, 108 and110, are converted to instructions, that are stored in the telecine. Theprocess now moves to block 112, where it is determined if there are moreframes of the negative 300, to be processed. As frame 301 d needs to beprocessed in this training run to be converted into instructions, theprocess returns to block 106, where the fourth frame 301 d, is thesubject of the first or training run.

In block 106, frame 301 d of the negative is now being edited, as thebroken line circle, enclosing the target image, continues moving to theright, to provide a panning effect in the resultant video stream 310(shown below). The image within the target (the broken line circle)includes the B, as shown in the screen shot 303 d of the video monitor160 of the telecine.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108, asshown in the screen shot 305 d, of the frame 301 d, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image of the target, in the broken line box, corresponding to thebroken line circle, remains focused. The now enlarged target image, at ahigh focus, is shown in the broken line box in the screen shot 305 d.

The frame 301 d is then fragmented at block 110. This fragmentation issuch that the image, here, the target, is isolated, and moved to thedesired position, in accordance with the image, as seen in the screenshot 307 d on the video monitor 160

The processing operations of the sub processes, of blocks 106, 108 and110, are converted to instructions, that are stored in the telecine. Theprocess now moves to block 112, where there are not any more frames tobe processed. With all of the frames 301 a-301 d of the negative 300processed into instructions, a second or processing run (process 100 b)is now performed on the negative 300, in accordance with block 113. Thefilm, that includes the negative 300, is rewound in the telecine 150,and the second or processing run may begin.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 1B, showing the second or processingrun, of the exemplary process 100 b, on the negative 300, of FIGS. 4Aand 4B. The process 100 b (of the second or processing run) begins atthe START at block 116.

In block 116, the instructions developed in the process 100 a (from thesub processes of blocks 106, 108 and 110) for the frames 301 a-301 d areactivated. This second or processing run includes sub processes similarto those in the first or processing run 100 a, except that these subprocesses, along with the sub processes of blocks 120 and 122, areperformed automatically by the telecine, in accordance with theoperations programmed into the telecine for each sub process on eachframe 301 a-301 d of the negative 300. Accordingly, the sub processes ofblocks 106, 108 and 110 in the first or training run 100 a, that aretypically performed manually (or at low film speed, as detailed above),are indicated as blocks 106′, 108′ and 110′ respectively, as these subprocesses are similar (as indicated by the “prime” symbol after thenumerals), but performed automatically in the process 100 b of thesecond or processing run.

The negative 300, now running through the telecine, is typicallyprocessed in frames and sequentially. For example, the first frame, 301a, is processed, in the second or processing run. Like the process 100a, the negative 300 is viewable through a video monitor 160 of thetelecine.

The process moves to block 106′, where a desired portion of the image isisolated (selected) on the negative 300, as shown in the screen shot 303a (on the video monitor 160 of the telecine 150), of the frame 301 a. Inthis screen shot 303 a, for example, image X has been isolated, as shownin the broken line circle.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108′, asshown in the screen shot 305 a, of the frame 301 a, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image, here X, remains focused. The now enlarged X, at a high focusis shown in the broken line box in the screen shot 305 a. The focusingwhile zooming, coupled with using processed high resolution film, here,for example, the negative from film shot on a large format motionpicture camera, maintains the high resolution. The resultantfocus/zoom-in of the negative is typically broadcast quality resolution.

The frame 301 a is then fragmented at block 110′. This fragmentation issuch that the target image, here, the X, is isolated, and moved to thedesired position, as it will appear when it is recomposed in its newframe, for example, frame 312 a of the video stream 310 (and theresultant video stream 310′). The target image (the X) is in accordancewith the image, as seen in the screen shot 307 a on the video monitor160.

Recomposing of the fragment frame occurs at block 120, as a digitalimage, or data corresponding thereto, as per the screen shot 307 a, istaken from the frame 301 a of the negative 300. During recomposition,the isolated and positioned X, is extracted from its frame 301 a, forplacement into a video stream.

The now recomposed frame, is then placed (added) into a video stream310, at block 122. The recomposed image X, forms a portion of the videostream 310, for example, the frame 312 a. As frame 312 a is the firstframe of the video stream, it will be the first frame of the sequence offrames that form the video stream 310.

The process moves to block 124, where it is determined if the videostream 310 is complete. If the video stream 310 is not complete, theprocess returns to block 106′. Here, subsequent frames 301 b-301 drequire processing in this second or processing run, so the processreturns to block 106′.

The process returns to block 106′, for operation on the second frame 301b of the negative 300. A desired portion of the image, here, the targetimage within the broken line circle, the X and a portion of the B, areisolated (selected) from the frame 301 b on the negative 300. This isshown in the screen shot 303 b (on the video monitor 160 of the telecine150). In isolating the X and portion of the B within the target, thebroken line circle, this provides the effect of the camera panninglaterally in the resultant video stream 310′, as detailed below.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108′, asshown in the screen shot 305 b, of the frame 301 b, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image, here X with a portion of the B, remains focused. The nowenlarged X and portion of the B, at a high focus, is shown in the brokenline box in the screen shot 305 b. The focusing while zooming, coupledwith using processed high resolution film, here, for example, thenegative from film shot on a large format motion picture camera,maintains the high resolution. The resultant focus/zoom-in of thenegative is typically broadcast quality resolution.

The frame 301 b is then fragmented at block 110′. This fragmentation issuch that the target image, here, the X and the portion of the B, isisolated and moved to the desired position, as it will appear when it isrecomposed in its new frame, for example, frame 312 b of the videostream 310 (and the resultant video stream 310′). The target image is inaccordance with the image, as seen in the screen shot 307 a on the videomonitor 160.

Recomposing of the fragment frame occurs at block 120, as a digitalimage, or data corresponding thereto, as per the screen shot 307 b, istaken from the frame 301 b of the negative 300. During recomposition,the isolated and positioned X and portion of the B, is extracted fromits frame 301 b, for placement into a video stream.

The now recomposed frame, is then placed (added) into a video stream310, at block 122. The recomposed image X and portion of the B, forms aportion of the video stream 310, for example, the frame 312 b. As frame312 b is the second frame of the video stream, it is joined with frame312 a, in the sequence of frames that form the video stream 310.

The process moves to block 124, where it is determined if the videostream 310 is complete. If the video stream 310 is not complete, theprocess returns to block 106′. Here, subsequent frames 301 c and 301 drequire processing in this second or processing run, so the processreturns to block 106′.

The process returns to block 106′, for operation on the third frame 301c of the negative 300. A desired portion of the image, here, the targetimage within the broken line circle, the portion of the X and the B, areisolated (selected) from the frame 301 c on the negative 300. This isshown in the screen shot 303 c (on the video monitor 160 of the telecine150). In isolating the portion of the X and the B within the target, thebroken line circle, this provides the continued effect of the camerapanning laterally in the resultant video stream 310′, as detailed below.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108′, asshown in the screen shot 305 c, of the frame 301 c, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image, here the portion of the X and the B, remains focused. The nowenlarged portion of the X and the B, at a high focus, is shown in thebroken line box in the screen shot 305 c. The focusing while zooming,coupled with using processed high resolution film, here, for example,the negative from film shot on a large format motion picture camera,maintains the high resolution. The resultant focus/zoom-in of thenegative is typically broadcast quality resolution.

The frame 301 c is then fragmented at block 110′. This fragmentation issuch that the target image, here, the portion of the X and the B, isisolated and moved to the desired position, as it will appear when it isrecomposed in its new frame, for example, frame 312 c of the videostream 310 (and the resultant video stream 310′). The target image is inaccordance with the image, as seen in the screen shot 307 c on the videomonitor 160.

Recomposing of the fragment frame occurs at block 120, as a digitalimage, or data corresponding thereto, as per the screen shot 307 c, istaken from the frame 301 c of the negative 300. During recomposition,the isolated and positioned portion of the X and the B, is extractedfrom its frame 301 c, for placement into a video stream.

The now recomposed frame, is then placed (added) into a video stream310, at block 122. The recomposed image, formed of the portion of the Xand the B, forms a portion of the video stream 310, for example, theframe 312 c. As frame 312 c is the third frame of the video stream, itis joined with frames 312 a and 312 b, in the sequence of frames thatform the video stream 310.

The process moves to block 124, where it is determined if the videostream 310 is complete. If the video stream 310 is not complete, theprocess returns to block 106′. Here, subsequent frame 301 d requiresprocessing in this second or processing run, so the process returns toblock 106′.

The process returns to block 106′, for operation on the fourth and lastframe 301 d of the negative 300. A desired portion of the image, here,the target image within the broken line circle, the B, is isolated(selected) from the frame 301 d on the negative 300. This is shown inthe screen shot 303 d (on the video monitor 160 of the telecine 150). Inisolating the B within the target, the broken line circle, this providesthe completed effect of the camera panning laterally in the resultantvideo stream 310′, as detailed below.

The isolated (selected) image is now zoomed in on, at block 108′, asshown in the screen shot 305 d, of the frame 301 d, as seen through thevideo monitor 160 of the telecine. This zooming is performed, so thatthe image, here the B, remains focused. The now enlarged B, at a highfocus, is shown in the broken line box in the screen shot 305 d. Thefocusing while zooming, coupled with using processed high resolutionfilm, here, for example, the negative from film shot on a large formatmotion picture camera, maintains the high resolution. The resultantfocus/zoom-in of the negative is typically broadcast quality resolution.

The frame 301 d is then fragmented at block 110′. This fragmentation issuch that the target image, here, the B, is isolated and moved to thedesired position, as it will appear when it is recomposed in its newframe, for example, frame 312 d of the video stream 310 (and theresultant video stream 310′). The target image is in accordance with theimage, as seen in the screen shot 307 d on the video monitor 160.

Recomposing of the fragment frame occurs at block 120, as a digitalimage, or data corresponding thereto, as per the screen shot 307 d, istaken from the frame 301 d of the negative 300. During recomposition,the isolated and positioned image, B, is extracted from its frame 301 d,for placement into the video stream.

The now recomposed frame, is then placed (added) into a video stream310, at block 122. The recomposed image, formed of the B, forms aportion of the video stream 310, for example, the frame 312 d. As frame312 d is the fourth and final frame of the video stream, it is joinedwith frames 312 a, 312 b and 312 c, in the sequence of frames that formthe resultant video stream 310′. In all instances where the video stream310, resulting in the resultant video stream 310′ being made, thetelecine is programmed to create the frames 312 a-312 d, suitable forplayback at the normal speeds and frame rates of the desired media, suchas television, motion picture, taped media, and the like.

Similar to the process of image recomposition performed on the negative200, detailed above, the negative 300 is subjected to the aforementionedsub processes of blocks 106, 108, 110, 106′, 108′, 110′, 120, and 122,that are also typically performed in the telecine. As stated above, thetelecine is typically combined with the image processing machine, asdetailed above.

The process moves to block 124, where it is determined if the videostream 310 is complete. The video stream is now complete, as theresultant video stream 310′ has been formed. Accordingly, the processmoves to block 126.

At block 126, the resultant video stream 310′, formed of frames 312a-312 d, is transferred to standard or conventional formats. In the caseof videotape video streams or digital video streams, these standard orconventional formats, to which the transfer is made, can be, forexample, television, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), CD ROM, and otherconventional films and media.

The above-described processes, including portions thereof, can beperformed by software, hardware and combinations thereof. Theseprocesses and portions thereof can be performed by computers,computer-type devices, workstations, processors, micro-processors, otherelectronic searching tools and memory and other storage-type devicesassociated therewith. The processes and portions thereof can also beembodied in programmable storage devices, for example, compact discs(CDs) or other discs including magnetic, optical, etc., readable by amachine or the like, or other computer usable storage media, includingmagnetic, optical, or semiconductor storage, or other source ofelectronic signals.

There have been shown and described preferred embodiments of a methodfor recomposing large format media. These embodiments can be performedby hardware, software or combinations of hardware and software. It isapparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes,variations, modifications, and other uses and applications for themethod and its component or sub processes, are possible, and also suchchanges, variations, modifications, and other uses and applicationswhich do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention aredeemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by theclaims which follow.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from thespecific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention.The invention should not be restricted to the above embodiments, butshould be measured by the following claims.

1. A method for reconfiguring media comprising: using a high resolutionmedia scanning device, selecting a plurality of target images from aplurality of frames of large format processed motion picture filmcomprising a sequence of frames for a shot; using the high resolutionmedia scanning device, zooming in on each target image while focusingthereon; identifying a position in a video stream for each target image,the video stream comprising another sequence of other images configuredas another shot; using the high resolution media scanning device,extracting each target image from the motion picture media after zoomingin while focusing thereon; and using the high resolution media scanningdevice, positioning each extracted target image at the identifiedposition in the video stream.
 2. A method for reconfiguring mediacomprising: using a high resolution media scanning device, selecting aplurality of target images from a plurality of frames of large formatprocessed motion picture media comprising a sequence of frames for ashot; using the high resolution media scanning device, zooming in oneach target image while focusing thereon; identifying a position in avideo stream for each target image, the video stream comprising anothersequence of other images configured as another shot; using the highresolution media scanning device, extracting each target image from themotion picture media after zooming in while focusing thereon; and usinga computer, positioning each extracted target image at the identifiedposition in the video stream.
 3. A method for reconfiguring mediacomprising: using a high resolution media scanning device, transferringa plurality of images from a plurality of frames of large formatprocessed motion picture film to electronic motion picture media, thelarge format processed motion picture film comprising a sequence offrames for a shot, the motion picture media comprising the sequence offrames for the shot; using a computer, selecting a plurality of targetimages from the frames of the motion picture media; using the computer,zooming in on each target image while focusing thereon; identifying aposition in a video stream for each target image, the video streamcomprising another sequence of other images configured as another shot;using the computer, extracting each target image from the motion picturemedia after zooming in while focusing thereon; and using the computer,positioning each extracted target image at the identified position inthe video stream.
 4. A method for reconfiguring media comprising: usinga high resolution media scanning device, transferring a plurality ofimages from a plurality of frames of large format processed motionpicture film to electronic motion picture media, the large formatprocessed motion picture film comprising a sequence of frames for ashot, the motion picture media comprising the sequence of frames for theshot; storing the motion picture media to a storage media; using acomputer, selecting a plurality of target images from the frames of themotion picture media stored on the storage media; using the computer,zooming in on each target image while focusing thereon; identifying aposition in a video stream for each target image, the video streamcomprising another sequence of other images configured as another shot;using the computer, extracting each target image from the motion picturemedia after zooming in while focusing thereon; and using the computer,positioning each extracted target image at the identified position inthe video stream.
 5. A system for reconfiguring media comprising: a highresolution media scanning device to: select a plurality of target imagesfrom a plurality of frames of a large format processed motion picturefilm, each target image selected from a different frame, the largeformat processed motion picture film comprising a sequence of frames fora shot; identify a position in a video stream for each target image;focus on each target image while zooming in thereon; extract each targetimage from the large format processed motion picture film after focusingwhile zooming thereon; and position each extracted target image at theidentified position in the video stream to create another sequence ofother frames configured as another shot.
 6. A system for reconfiguringmedia comprising: a high resolution media scanning device to: select aplurality of target images from a plurality of frames of a large formatprocessed motion picture film, the large format processed motion picturefilm comprising a sequence of frames for a shot; identify a position ina video stream for each target image; focus on each target image whilezooming in thereon; and extract each target image from the large formatprocessed motion picture film after focusing while zooming thereon; anda computer to: position each extracted target image at the identifiedposition in the video stream to create another sequence of other framesconfigured as another shot.
 7. A system for reconfiguring mediacomprising: a high resolution media scanning device to: transfer aplurality of images from a plurality of frames of a large formatprocessed motion picture film to electronic motion picture media, thelarge format processed motion picture film comprising a sequence offrames for a shot, the motion picture media comprising the sequence offrames for the shot; and a computer to: select a plurality of targetimages from the frames of the motion picture media; identify a positionin a video stream for each target image; focus on each target imagewhile zooming in thereon; extract each target image from the motionpicture media after focusing while zooming thereon; and position eachextracted target image at the identified position in the video stream tocreate another sequence of other frames configured as another shot.
 8. Asystem for reconfiguring media comprising: a high resolution mediascanning device to: transfer a plurality of images from a plurality offrames of a large format processed motion picture film to electronicmotion picture media and store the motion picture media to a storagemedia, the large format processed motion picture film comprising asequence of frames for a shot, the motion picture media comprising thesequence of frames for the shot; and a computer to: select a pluralityof target images from the frames of the motion picture media stored onthe storage media; identify a position in a video stream for each targetimage; focus on each target image while zooming in thereon; extract eachtarget image from the motion picture media after focusing while zoomingthereon; and position each extracted target image at the identifiedposition in the video stream to create another sequence of other framesconfigured as another shot.